Sketch of Cherubs, after a Sculpture 1868 - 1869

Editor: This is John Singer Sargent's "Sketch of Cherubs, after a Sculpture." The graphite on paper gives it such a light, airy feel, but I'm curious, what do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, I see a study in reproduction. Sargent, a product of his time, engaged with classical forms, but his sketch highlights the industrial means of disseminating such imagery through sculpture and drawing. How does the act of replication alter the aura of the original? Editor: That's fascinating! It makes me think about the labor involved in both the sculpture and Sargent's sketch, almost like a chain of production. I hadn't considered that before. Curator: Exactly! And what does it mean to consume art through copies versus experiencing the 'original'? Editor: I guess it makes you think about accessibility and how we value art. Thanks for the insight. Curator: It was my pleasure.